As we grapple with the mounting effects of climate change, a sobering projection is that the air quality in the U.S. is expected to steadily worsen through 2054. This deterioration is attributed to the escalating occurrences of climate change-related events, such as wildfires, heat waves, and droughts.
Recent research from the First Street Foundation provides insight into the escalating problem, suggesting that climate change is increasing the prevalence of two harmful air pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5) and tropospheric ozone. These pollutants are a major concern for public health, associated with numerous respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The West, particularly California, is bearing the brunt of this environmental crisis. The state has seen a significant rise in hazardous air quality days, with a staggering 1,100% increase since 2000. This is largely due to the more frequent and severe wildfires which have become a regular occurrence in the region.
As air quality continues to suffer, certain cities have emerged as hotspots for poor air quality. Fresno, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Seattle have all been identified as areas of concern and are projected to see a nearly 10% increase in PM2.5 levels over the next 30 years. This increase in PM2.5 levels threatens to erase the substantial gains made in air quality over the past two decades, effectively setting us back years in our fight for cleaner air.
The human implications of this are sobering. The number of people exposed to dangerous air quality is projected to grow to 11.2 million between 2024 and 2054, marking an increase of about 13%. It is further estimated that 125 million people will be exposed to at least one “unhealthy” air quality day in the next three decades.
Despite the international recognition of the need for global emissions cuts, even sharp declines in greenhouse gas emissions may not reverse these deteriorating air quality trends for the next few decades. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained climate change strategies, both on a national and global level.
The future of air quality in the U.S. is a growing concern. With the projected increase in harmful pollutants due to climate change, more people will be exposed to dangerous air quality, posing a significant public health risk. It is crucial that we continue to prioritize and invest in efforts to mitigate climate change and improve air quality for the health and well-being of current and future generations.
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